Can We Do It? AI Enablement in Companies

Looking back at the end of this year, I can reflect on 2 years full of AI presentations, workshops, discussion rounds, and promptathons. What became increasingly clear to me: one person alone can’t do it all. AI in business is a team sport - everyone needs to be involved, each person is important and has that one outstanding qualification that hardly anyone else has. I became curious. What are other companies doing right now? How are they currently positioning themselves when it comes to AI enablement of their workforce? How can companies prepare their employees for the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and successfully implement this technology?

THAT something needs to happen here was discovered by a study from Seismic, a company in the enablement sector. Here are some numbers from this study:

• 45% cite financial constraints as the main obstacle to implementing AI in companies
• 61% see generational differences as a barrier to tech acceptance
• 66% perceive “AI” as stigmatized
• 48% avoid using the term “AI” in communication
• 79% of Gen-Z executives actively drive AI implementation
• 50% of Baby Boomer executives are engaged in AI
• 88% expect cross-generational AI acceptance within 5 years

It doesn’t look too rosy. However, Steve Jobs already made a good start here. It all begins much earlier than one might imagine in the context drawn above, namely with the attitude I bring to my job. It’s about what I do and how I approach my profession. Well, anyway, Jobs is said to have said:

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

So how do companies succeed in motivating people to use or at least think about using AI? To train them, to convey the joy of technology? Let’s take a closer look at this. And maybe there’s something you can use or tackle in your business environment.

Successful Implementation of AI Enablement Strategies

We need to clearly state: implementing AI solutions today is no longer a question, but rather a must. FOMO wherever you look. And in the midst of it all, companies like HTEC Group and Crowe that seem to have already developed insightful approaches to implementing AI programs.

The HTEC Group has established a comprehensive AI enablement program divided into two levels: Level 1 (AI Literacy), aimed at providing basic AI knowledge for all employees, and Level 2 (AI Advanced), offering advanced AI skills for technical staff. The goal: 100% “AI Literacy” within one year. This can only succeed with holistic training for all employees. Only then can AI be successfully integrated.

Practical AI Application and Further Education

Crowe has developed a multi-level AI upskilling program, ranging from basic courses on AI ethics and risks to specialized “AI Guilds” for collaborative learning. These initiatives not only promote knowledge but also foster a culture of exchange and transparency regarding AI-related concerns. The focus is on integrating AI into existing workflows and creating spaces for open exchange.

Company-Specific AI Implementation

Adobe follows a dual approach to AI education: targeting both external learners and their own employees. While their global AI@Adobe initiative aims to reach 30 million external learners with AI competency and digital skills by 2030 through partnerships with Coursera and other organizations, they’re simultaneously investing heavily in training their own employees. Internally, Adobe runs a comprehensive six-month AI training and certification program for engineers, mandatory “Trusted AI” training for all employees, and maintains a cross-functional “AI@Adobe” working group. Their employees actively participate as “Customer Zero” in beta testing new AI tools, with thousands of employees involved in over 30 beta tests since March 2023. The success of these internal initiatives is evident: 68% of engineers report improved AI knowledge, and 50% apply their learning in new projects, while employees completed an average of 131 hours of AI-related courses.

Tips and Tricks for AI Implementation

1. Structured Learning Paths: Differentiate between technical and non-technical employees to offer specific training.
2. Practical Integration: Implement internal communities and regular feedback loops to ensure continuous learning.
3. Trust Building: Communicate transparently about the benefits of AI and ethical aspects to minimize concerns.
4. Cultural Change: Promote a culture of experimentation and collaborative learning to increase acceptance of AI.
5. Resources and Tools: Ensure necessary tools and resources are available for AI integration.

Someone Sits in the Shade Today…

“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone else planted a tree a long time ago.”

Warren Buffett hits the nail on the head with this one. The performance of employees, whether in small, medium-sized businesses or large global players, stands or falls with their timely preparation for new technologies that will significantly influence our business and private future. Investments in employee “AI enablement” are like the tree that will provide us protection and shade in difficult times ahead. Those who hesitate now with AI training or completely dismiss it will sooner or later be unable to keep up with or compete against the competition. And I better not even start about really bad times, keyword “demographic change.” So, you better start today making your colleagues AI-ready in your company. Maybe even with the help of… AI?